3 nights and 4 days of a wildlife photography expedition to one of India’s oldest sanctuaries, and the sole home of the Asiatic lions – Sasan Gir.
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About Gir
Gir is one of India’s oldest sanctuaries, the only place in India to see Asiatic Lion. Gujarat Rajwara is the last remaining abode of the Asiatic Lion, Panthera leo persica. The Government of Gujarat has declared an area of 1412.1 sq km as Protected Area (PA), which comprises 258.7 sq km as National Park and 1153.4 sq km as Sanctuary. Besides this 470.5 sq km of forest area forms a buffer Zone as reserve, protected and unclassified forest. Thus, a total area of 1882.6 sq km makes up the Gir forest.
Ecological importance
Gir has evolved to host a very stable ecosystem with tremendous regenerating, self-supporting and self-sustaining capacity due to its richness of biodiversity: 606 different plant species, 39 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles and over 300 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of insects. A breeding ground for migratory birds, the avifauna of Gir includes a variety of raptors and many other significant species, including Lesser Florican, Osprey, Indian Pitta, Red-headed Vulture, etc. It also supports a variety of reptiles, including the Indian python and the Indian star tortoise, and possibly one of the highest populations of Marsh crocodile in the country. Gir also has one of the densest concentrations of leopards in India.
Asiatic lion habitat, distribution, and population
The Asiatic lion's habitat is dry scrub land and open deciduous forest. These lions were once found across northern Africa, south west Asia and northern Greece. The population has steadily increased since 2010. In May 2015, the 14th Asiatic Lion Census was conducted over an area of about 20,000 km2 (7,700 sq mi); the lion population was estimated at 523 individuals, comprising 109 adult males, 201 adult females and 213 cubs. In August 2017, surveyors counted 650 wild lions. In June 2020, an estimation exercise counted 674 Asiatic lions in the Gir forest region, an increase of 29% over the 2015 census figure.
Note:
There are 8 routes in Gir Forest which are used for Safari Drives. Route allocation is on roaster basis and allocation of routes to every gypsy is at the discretion of Forest Officials. It may so happens that one of our group may get different route than other.
Ex Sasan Gir
Sasan Gir
3 nights 4 days
Sasan Gir
Ashutosh Shinde based out of Mumbai, is a banker by profession and wildlife enthusiast by passion. Wildlife has always been his passion from childhood. Ashutosh has travelled accross Maharashtra in search of wildlife, but his core area of interest has always remained the wildlife of Gujarat. Having travelled extensively in the local terrains, he has gained quite a good knowledge about the resident and migratory flora & fauna. He has been successful in showcasing his knowledge in varied genre of wildlife photography. His work has been recognized by leading international nature & conservation institutions like NGC, BBC Wildlife Magazine, iNaturalist etc. He is associated as a Panel Photography Expert and Consultant, Strategy Team DCP, Mumbai.
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Rajkot is the nearest airport. From Rajkot, you can take a cab to reach Sasan Gir.
Take a train to Rajkot or Junagadh. From there, you can take a cab to reach Sasan Gir.
Rajkot is the nearest airport. From Rajkot, you can take a cab to reach Sasan Gir.
Things to carry:
1. Telephoto lenses – preferably above 300 mm.
2. Wide angle lenses – preferably ultra-wide
3. Carry fully charged batteries for your camera.
4. Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries.
5. Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop.
6. Carrying a Tripod is a must for all bird photography workshops.
7. A bean bag is must as many a times we will be shooting out from the vehicle window.
8. Carry a big towel / cloth to protect your gear from dust.
9. Carry a big cloth / bandanna / scarf to protect you from dust.
10. Warm clothes, gloves for the chilly early mornings.
11. Sun screens are very important.
12. It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you.
13. Please carry suitable mosquito repellants to keep you protected from mosquito bites.
14. Carry a pair of good binoculars.
Equipment available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.
We recommend you arrive at Rajkot Rly station / Airport (10 AM) and travel to Gir from there via cab / car pooling or we can arrange for your pick and drop on request (Not included in package cost). Rajkot to Gir distance is 168 KM and can be covered in around 3 hours. We are expected to reach hotel 1-1:30PM. As soon as we check in, get fresh and gather in dining hall for lunch. After having lunch, we will meet at 2:30 PM in hotel reception area. Our jeeps will be ready to take us for 1st Safari. Once the forest formalities are completed, we will start our first safari (Kindly carry your identity cards with you on all your safaris). We will be back in hotel around 7 PM. Dinner at hotel.
Wake up and gather at reception at 6AM. After having tea, proceed for our second game drive. Return to hotel around 10, finish breakfast. Enjoy leisure time till lunch. After lunch we will have our third safari. Dinner at hotel
Wake up early to begin our last safari of the trip. Have breakfast after we return from our last Safari. Pack your bags and get prepared for departure. After early lunch, our car will be ready to drop us back to Rajkot Station / Airport.
On-field learning from the experts is said to be one of the best methods of improving your skill-set. Our expert will hand hold you at every possible step for a better understanding of perspectives, camera controls and how to make use of the best opportunities to get better images. The training will focus on the following
1. How to approach wildlife in the field
2. Different modes of shooting (Av / A, Tv / S, M and P)
3. Exposure control in field under difficult light conditions
4. Mastering metering techniques (Spot, partial, center weighted, evaluative)
5. Mastering auto focus, focusing points, AF locking and focus tracking for moving subjects
6. How to get sharp images of moving subjects
7. Framing and composition in the field
8. Ethics in Wildlife Photography
Image processing workshop
To maximize and complete your photographic learning, join our evening session of informal discussions on digital image processing. Our Expert will work on few of his own images or a few of yours (which you have clicked during the day) and demonstrate various techniques of image processing to give a final shape to your artwork. The following will be discussed
Rs 35,000 per head inclusive of all taxes
*To know charges for foreign nationals please write to info@dcpexpeditions.com
Though the travel to Rajkot is not included in the package, however, we can assist you in booking train tickets, provided you confirm early based on the availability.
Cost includes
Cost does not include:
Sasan Gir
21.18255050198224 70.59822781057615Cancellation policy
There are very limited twin sharing accommodation available. Please mail us to know availability
Yes certainly. However, the cost will remain the same
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+91 916797906210.30 AM - 6.00 PM(Mon to Sat)
